A New Haven biotechnology company focused on preventing COVID-19 has named a new CEO as it prepares to release results from two major clinical trials.
Invivyd Inc. appointed board Chairman Marc Elia to the additional role of CEO, effective Aug. 30. He takes over the company’s top executive duties from Chief Financial Officer William Duke Jr., who remains CFO.
Invivyd develops laboratory-made antibodies intended to protect people from infectious diseases. Its existing drug, Pemgarda, is authorized for emergency use to prevent COVID-19 in certain people with weakened immune systems who are unlikely to respond adequately to vaccination.
The company is now developing a successor drug, VYD2311, that could be administered by injection and made available to a broader population. Invivyd said it expects to release initial results from two late-stage studies around the end of the third quarter.
The results are particularly important because the federal government plans to end Pemgarda’s emergency-use authorization in June 2027.
Invivyd said it is discussing potential approval paths for VYD2311 with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Invivyd reported $14.3 million in second-quarter revenue, up 21% from a year earlier. However, its quarterly net loss widened to $44.4 million from $14.7 million as spending on research, clinical trials, staffing and commercial operations increased.
Elia, 50, has served on Invivyd’s board since June 2022 and as chairman since July 2022. He is the founder and chief investment officer of M28 Capital Management, a healthcare investment fund.
Invivyd also named Ajay Royan, founder of Mithril Capital and an early company investor, lead independent director. Ian Sheffield, founder of private investment firm North Country Holdings, joined the board as an independent director.
